Senior Technical Lead (STL) and On-Grid Energy Expert - USAID Empower West Africa (EWA)

Position Description:

RTI is seeking a Senior Technical Lead (STL) / On-Grid Energy Expert for the anticipated Empower West Africa (EWA) activity. The STL / On-Grid Energy Expert will be responsible for supporting the Chief of Party (COP) in providing technical direction and leadership of the project ensuring that project activities meet USAID and other stakeholders’ expectations.

This position will be based in Accra, Ghana and will report to the Chief of Party. Frequent travel throughout West Africa is anticipated in support of strategic regional and country-based activities.

Position is contingent upon award and funding.

Responsibilities

Designs and leads planning and delivery of on-grid activities including management of staff, STTA advisors, and subcontractors.  Creates and sustains effective, professional relations with and among management, relevant government and utility representatives, donors, private sector entities, and other key public and private stakeholders to leverage resources and warrant coordination. Provides technical and advisory support to strengthen the operational and management efficiencies of EWA including, but not limited to business planning, process improvement, cost recovery, customer service, utility and project personnel management and capacity building.  Leads and facilitates effective coordination with utility counterparts in their grid extension, electrification activities, donor support programs. loss reduction efforts and other engagements to achieve programmatic impacts and metrics. Responsible for supporting policy, legal and regulatory frameworks to provide enabling conditions for private sector participation and investment. Serve as the technical utility improvement and on-grid expert for the EWA activity and lead requisite technical deliverables and work planning. Identify opportunities and challenges for accelerating deployment of on-grid technologies and regional partnerships in the West African energy sectors.  Conduct investment analysis and develop financial models to accelerate deployment of advanced technologies. Conduct trainings and capacity development workshops for policy makers, utility representatives, government counterparts, and regulators.
Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree and 15 years of experience, Master’s degree and 12 years of experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Demonstrated experience working effectively within a government energy sector; experience with energy sectors in West Africa strongly preferred. Prior USG or other donor program implementation and coordination strongly preferred. Demonstrated understanding of and prior effective support to utility planning and operations; utility turnaround; commercial and technical energy losses and reduction strategies; development and deployment of new energy technologies. Strong and effective communicator who can easily navigate complex topics, stakeholder engagements, with a focus on problem-solving and solutions Experience with donor and multilateral organization programs in Africa. Candidates should possess a mix of strong management, administrative, technical experience and communication skills. Proficiency in English and in French is required. Ability to work and travel throughout West Africa.